GRAD SESSION GUIDE
The Session Guide below is full of information about outfit tips and tricks, location ideas, hair and makeup, and most importantly - what to expect at your session! If I ask you to do anything, it's to read through this full guide. All the questions you're probably wondering should all be answered right here in this guide and will be the best resource to prepare you for your shoot and ensure a GREAT session!!
HEY GIRL HEY!
I’m so so so excited about your GRAD session coming up and to welcome you into the #kmpsenior family!!
meet your photographer and recent alum
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CELEBRATE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL & CONFIDENT YOU
CELEBRATE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL & CONFIDENT YOU
a few notes from yours truly
Beyond anything else, if there's one thing that I want you to know, it is that you do not need to feel any type of pressure coming into your senior session. You can come in with ideas in mind, or not. My job is to help plan an amazing session just for you, guide you and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and have the best dang time of your life!! I know it can feel a little awkward being in front of the camera at first, but I promise that after the first few minutes you are going to be having a blast and get comfortable working it in front of the camera!!
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There is no right or wrong way to do it.
NO NEED TO FEEL NERVOUS
college grad!
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A POSING PRO
I will guide you throughout the entire session with natural and fun poses to be sure you look your best in all the photos! I know there are so many cute poses on TikTok and Pinterest, and if you see something you love, share it with me! This is your session and if you want to do a pose you saw on TikTok, let's do it girl.
But ALSO, if you're thinking,"I have absolutely no idea what to do!" No need to worry, because I have a full gallery of poses in my head at all times!
I'VE GOT YOU!
TIMING FOR YOUR SESSION
Please arrive on time! Your grad session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets/rises, and once the sun has set (or risen too high in the AM), we can no longer shoot.
If you arrive to your session even 10-15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session!
If you are more than 30 minutes late to your session, sadly, we will have to reschedule for my next earliest available date which may be 1 or even 2 months out from your original date!
Give yourself PLENTYYY of extra time for grabbing those last minute details (aka pick up your champagne the week of your shoot, not on the way to it!), packing the car, in case you forget something, and braving the parking decks to fight for a spot.
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I am including this section because it plays a vital role in your session and I
can not stress it enough!
arrival time
BUT WHAT IF IT RAINS?!
Don't worry, I won't make you take photos on a nasty rainy day just because it's the day you booked.
If the forecast is calling for rain on the day of your session, I typically hold off until 12 hours before the session time to make a decision. Why? Because the weather can be SO unpredictable and I don't want to reschedule a session too early because of what the forecast predicts. If the forecast is 75% or higher, we will definitely reschedule. If it is anywhere between 50-75% chance, I will leave it up to you to decide. Anything below 50% we will still photograph your session unless it is just too gross outside!
Sunny days are ideal, BUT cloudy days can still be just as beautiful, glowy, and bright!! Trust me!
DON'T SWEAT THE WEATHER
pick your perfect spot
HOT SPOTS ON CAMPUS
There are sooo many gorgeous spots around your campus! We of course want to hit the main spots, but don't be scared to break the mold and get creative in spots that are meaningful to you. Here's a few of my favorite ideas to get your creative ideas flowing of where you want to go around your campus!
STATUES OR SEALS
Have a statue, university seal, or any other
THE QUAD
Lots of schools have some version of a "Quad" or big hangout spot
FOOTBALL FIELD
Most of the time the field are locked and you'll need permission, but use your network and find us a way in!
FOUNTAINs
Fountain photos are just too good. Make your photos look so pretty and elevated!
MAIN BUILDINGS
Is there a specific building that's iconic to your school? Let's head there!
COLUMNS
Timeless, classic, really gives "What? Like it's hard?" vibes
BUILDING SIGNS
Main campus building signs or in front of your fav building!
DORMS
Get unique! Take me to your fav spots that hold a deeper meaning to you!
PRETTY LOCATIONS NEARBY
Maybe you want a different look to your session and want to go somewhere else... totally okay!!
SPRING BLOOMS OR FALL FOLIAGE
Wether you're graduating in the spring or fall, I love to include all the pretty nature around campus!
CLASS BUILDINGS
Where did you spend all your time?! Let's celebrate all your hard work there!
SCHOOL SIGNS
I love going to big school signs on campus! Lots of fun ways to get creative!
FIT CHECK
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ONE
white dress
For the most part, my girls wear their white graduation dress! So classic and stunning! But, don't be afraid to step out of the norm tho and wear a dress in your school colors or florals!
FOUR
get cozy
I LOVE when my grads bring a sorority or alumni sweatshirt! OR, a school jersey is so fun too!
THREE
details
Don't forget about all of your regalia too! Here's a checklist:
- Stole for sorority or other orgs
- Cords from orgs/clubs
- Tassel for your cap!
TWO
cap & gown
DUH! Okay, but seriously, you would be shocked by how many people forget something! And do me a favor, pretty please steam your gown! If you show up with it still folded in the plastic bag.... girrrrrl smh!
GRAD SZN... POP THE CHAMPAGNE... CONGRATS GRAD... GRAD SZN... POP THE CHAMPAGNE... CONGRATS GRAD...
BEAUTY ADVICE
Simple or full beat?
grab the bubbly!
Doing your hair & makeup is a key factor in having AMAZING portraits! This makes a huge difference in your images, so why not make it the best it can be?! To be completely honest, the camera can actually flatten your features just a little bit, so going just a level up with your makeup will make a BIG difference!
Plan to wear heavier make up than normal. Including blush and lipstick/gloss that are more pigmented than your natural lip color. What you can see in person doesn't always show up as detailed in camera. So going a little extra glam with make-up will be a huge help to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it! I also highly recommend wearing false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices anywhere you buy makeup!
One last ~french~ tip!! ;) In all of the chaos of session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, white, light and natural colors all photograph best!!
the manicure matters too!
add a little extra spice
Props can really make your session feel more like you! If you played a sport, were a Dukette or cheerleader, or want to incorporate your sisterhood, or maybe you just want to show off some school spirit, bring those unique items to add into your session!
Here's some ideas:
prep your props
CHECKLIST:
- Champagne (and a towel!)
- Confetti poppers
- Streamers
- School flag or pennant
- Textbook
- Stethoscope
- Poms
- Varsity jacket
- Sports equipment
- Sorority letters
- Your dog ;)
scroll here!
Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...
full gallery
You will receive your full gallery within 2 weeks. I’ll keep you in the loop so you know exactly when to expect the photos. When they’re ready, you’ll receive a link to an online gallery where you can download and share with friends/family.
I know you will want to post them all, as you should!!! Good thing there's TikTok and Insta to share all the photos on! When you post, don't forget to tag me so I can see! @kelseymarie.photo
posting your pics
your gallery link is live ~forEVER~
buying prints
Photographs aren’t meant to just live on our screens...
One of the best parts about your online gallery is the SHOP! The parents especially love this part! You can order prints, canvases, posters, albums, even graduation cards right in the shop! The professional print lab is guaranteed to provide you the highest quality product and all images come out true to color. Plus, orders are shipped directly to you! No driving to CVS to pickup your prints.
the most epic keepsake
don't forget to order your album
"Kelsey is such an amazing photographer! She was so great every step of the way from the very first meeting to the last! My daughter felt very prepared for her senior session! Highly recommend!!!"
reviews
Kelsey is the best! As someone who isn’t a big picture person, she makes it so easy and fun! I’ve been able to use her twice now for graduation pictures and they turned out perfect each time!
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"The absolute BEST senior photographer! It’s been so amazing working with Kelsey, she brings all of my visions to life! Reccomend her to everyone looking for amazing senior pictures!🩷
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~ Claire W. ~
~ Lindsey P. ~
~ Amy, Hannah's mom ~
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